Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1887-06-29
A Grain Elevator in Stanton.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 1887.
A Grain Elevator in Staunt0n.
A few years ago, when rejecting over
the discouraging results as viewed IN con-
pection with the low prices of grain, some
of our farmers thought it might be advisa'
BILE to discontinue it's production in a large
measure, and concentrate the energies and
resources SO employed on other industries.
Our soil is so well adapted, and our climate
so propitious, for the s'mixed industries"
that their profitable introduction and en-
largement, we commended, were rather the
associates of stable progress with con-
tinued grain and grass culture which, Tor
many reasons, the Valley farmer could not
afford to abandon, as these two are the
best known agents for restoring the filth OF
our lands and continuing them fertile and
productive. If we cannot realize, in cash,
a dollar bushel for wheat and cores
ponding value for corn and hay, there are
other considerations arising from the bene
fits of these crops, and especially SO as
they advance ''mixed industries" and con-
stitute the formation of a system more en-
larged, and, in its full scope, of greater
value than any special pursuit which could
be generally introduced as reliance in our
Valley country.
1t is gratifying to know that the special
industries on our farms are making good
progress. Fine horses-light- and heavy
draft and saddle, cattle, sheep, and hogs,
are annually increasing in numbers and i'm
proving in breeds. Fruit-growing and hor-
ticulture are widening in extent, and the
browning excellence of the efforts of our
farmers is still larger crops of wheat and
corn and grass. No matter what theory OF
economy, some, with the view of profit in
our producing interests, may deem the
wisest, the practical, good, solid expert
ence of large majority of our farmers
continues them On one of the lines we have
always thought they should not abandon,
and they are blessed again by heaven with
another abundant wheat crop, and that,
too, with the qualification Of knowing that
they are doing all they can to promote
every interest associated with agricultural
prosperity.
Elevators are essential to every trade
center which aspires to handle grain. The
primitive commercial methods in managing
the surplus anrain of the country are as alb
solutely left in the distance as hand-sowing
would be in comparison with the drill in its
agency in casting the crop. For place Of
the Importance which Staunton occupies
in the grain-trade, to continue without an
elevator would be about as reasonable in
these progressive times as to ask the farm
er, whose acres are broad and of smooth
surface, to reap with the hand-cradle III
preference to the employment of the
binder. In majority of cases there are
annual losses to farmers from dampness and
impurities which they cannot prevent
Elevators are provided with all the facil-
tiles for drying out and cleaning grain
Insurance in the elevator is cheaper than
in the farmers garner, and the producer,
if he prefers to store his crop, can do so
with absolute protection, and at the same
time fit it for the highest grade of inspec-
ton, free from impurities, and have also
the advantage of delivery any day he may
prefer to sell-an advantage he cannot al
ways realize when the grain is stored of
the line of transportation. The advantages
to the dealer are the same as to the pro-
Queer, and enable him to ship Whenever
he may prefer, and with quick Dispatch
The proposition to build an elevator in this
city is taking shape. 1t has twice been
discussed in the Chamber Of Commerce,
and committee of that body are now in
vestigating with the view Of its erection.
The letter of Mr.. ]. E. A. Gibbs, which
appeared in the SPECTATOR last week, in
regard to the elevator he built at Raphine,
carries with it its own comment If the
proposition to build one at Staunton should
be considered of doubtful propriety by any
person, the fact therein stated should re-
move that doubt. But we know whereof
we speak, when we say that farmers are
hauling to the Raphine elevator over as
great distance to reach it as they are from
Staunton. They 60 to it because advan-
tages are secured as stated, and not only
that, for the certificate of storage becomes
bill of exchange if they should desire to
use their crops, in advance of sale, foI
financial purposes.
The proposition has passed beyond the
necessity for discussion to prove its utility.
We hope the Committee of the Chamber OF
Commerce will find it so, and that their
commentator of the scheme will be fol-
lowed by the early erection of an elevator,
and the grain-trade of Staunton be devel-
oped by such means into it's just proper
tions. The farmers of Augusta, and all the
country in trade-intercourse with Staunton,
are increasing, not diminishing their grain
growing resources, and we should keep
abreast with them in quick and best grade
facilities for associating and blending in
mutual interests our local agriculture and
our home commerce.
The most fragrant 'srebel' never invol,-
ed such curses upon Lincoln in 1861, as
Fairchild spit out at Cleveland in 1857
Indec-Appeal.
Nor did the ''most fragrant rebel ever
call the ensign borne by the Federal troops
''dirty rags" as Gov. Foraker did those
borne by the Confederate soldiers. Fora
Har t,iad 70 oh of L.
denunciation, when misnamed Fairchild
got ahead of Foraker by his ''pa lsy" male
diction upon Cleveland. These malignants
have overleaped the saddle and fallen on the
other side, and they will live to realize the
homely truth that "curses, Ike chickens,